Queens University of Charlotte is a well-respected private university located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Known for its strong academic reputation, diverse community, and commitment to student success, the university also has a vibrant athletic presence that has gained increasing recognition in recent years. The athletic division of Queens University of Charlotte, often referred to simply as Queens Athletics, plays a significant role in shaping campus life and the school’s identity. Understanding the division, its teams, and its role in the broader university structure offers insight into how athletics and academics work together to build a dynamic collegiate experience.
Overview of Queens University of Charlotte
Queens University of Charlotte was founded in 1857 and has since evolved into a modern institution offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. With its strong liberal arts foundation, the university emphasizes leadership, community service, and real-world learning. It attracts students from across the United States and around the world, thanks to its supportive academic environment and connections to the business and cultural opportunities within the city of Charlotte.
Beyond academics, the university is recognized for its commitment to holistic education. Athletics, campus engagement, and leadership development are considered essential parts of the student experience. The Queens University of Charlotte Division of Athletics embodies this philosophy by providing opportunities for competition, teamwork, and personal growth through sports.
The Athletic Division and Its Mission
The Queens University of Charlotte Athletic Division is an integral part of the institution’s identity. It aims to cultivate excellence in sports while promoting values such as integrity, discipline, and teamwork. The division operates under the belief that athletics complement academics, helping students develop leadership skills and a strong sense of community.
The university’s motto, Not to be served, but to serve, extends to its athletic programs as well. Student-athletes are encouraged to not only strive for success in their respective sports but also to give back to their communities and represent the university with pride and character. This mission shapes every aspect of the division’s activities, from recruitment and training to academic support and outreach.
Transition to NCAA Division I
One of the most significant milestones in the history of Queens University of Charlotte Athletics is its transition to NCAA Division I status. Previously, Queens competed in NCAA Division II as part of the South Atlantic Conference (SAC), where it achieved remarkable success across multiple sports. In 2022, the university officially began its reclassification process to join NCAA Division I, the highest level of intercollegiate athletics in the United States.
This move elevated Queens into the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN), marking a new era for the university’s athletic division. Competing at the Division I level reflects the school’s growth, ambition, and commitment to providing top-tier athletic opportunities for its students. The transition also enhances the university’s visibility and competitiveness on the national stage.
Sports Programs Offered
The Queens University of Charlotte Division of Athletics oversees a wide range of sports programs for both men and women. These teams compete at high levels and are known for their consistent success, both regionally and nationally. Among the sports offered are
- Men’s and Women’s Basketball
- Men’s and Women’s Soccer
- Swimming and Diving
- Cross Country and Track & Field
- Lacrosse
- Golf
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Baseball and Softball
- Field Hockey
- Rugby
Queens has long been recognized for its excellence in swimming and diving, where it has earned multiple national championships. The success of these programs helped build a foundation of athletic prestige that continues to drive the university’s reputation in collegiate sports.
Academic Support for Student-Athletes
One defining feature of the Queens University of Charlotte Division of Athletics is its emphasis on balancing academics and athletics. The university maintains strict academic standards for all student-athletes, ensuring that sports participation never comes at the expense of education. Dedicated academic advisors, tutoring services, and study programs are in place to help student-athletes manage their time and succeed in the classroom.
Student-athletes at Queens are encouraged to view their education as their primary purpose, while athletics serve as a platform to build discipline, teamwork, and leadership. This balanced approach has resulted in high graduation rates and numerous academic honors among the university’s athletic population.
Facilities and Training Resources
Queens University of Charlotte boasts state-of-the-art athletic facilities designed to support elite performance and student development. The Levine Center for Wellness and Recreation serves as the heart of the athletic division, offering advanced training equipment, practice spaces, and classrooms. It also houses an aquatic center used by the nationally recognized swimming and diving teams.
Additional facilities include fields for soccer and lacrosse, tennis courts, and specialized training centers for track and field athletes. These resources demonstrate the university’s dedication to providing its athletes with the tools they need to compete at the highest levels while maintaining health and wellness.
Community Engagement and Leadership
Community involvement is a central component of the Queens University of Charlotte Athletics philosophy. Student-athletes regularly participate in service projects, youth mentoring programs, and local events. These initiatives strengthen the bond between the university and the surrounding Charlotte community while teaching students the importance of giving back.
Through programs such as leadership workshops and volunteer partnerships, the athletic division ensures that its athletes are not only skilled competitors but also responsible citizens and role models. The university’s focus on servant leadership helps distinguish Queens from many other athletic programs nationwide.
Achievements and Recognition
Queens University of Charlotte has earned widespread recognition for its athletic achievements. Before transitioning to Division I, the university claimed multiple NCAA Division II national titles, particularly in swimming, track and field, and lacrosse. Its consistent performance in regional and national tournaments has made it a respected name in collegiate athletics.
Even during its early years in Division I competition, Queens has shown impressive competitiveness. The dedication of coaches, athletes, and staff has ensured that the university remains a force to be reckoned with, even against more established programs. These successes have further solidified its reputation as a rising powerhouse in college sports.
Future of Queens Athletics
The future of the Queens University of Charlotte Division of Athletics looks promising. As the university continues to grow academically and athletically, it remains committed to fostering a culture of excellence and inclusion. The Division I transition opens new doors for recruitment, scholarships, and partnerships that will benefit both athletes and the broader student body.
Queens’ strategic vision emphasizes not only winning but also the personal and academic growth of every student-athlete. The combination of world-class facilities, dedicated faculty, and community-centered values ensures that the university will continue to thrive on and off the field for years to come.
The Queens University of Charlotte Division of Athletics represents more than just competition”it embodies the university’s core values of leadership, service, and excellence. From its origins in NCAA Division II to its bold move to Division I, the division has demonstrated a clear commitment to growth and integrity. With a strong academic foundation, top-tier facilities, and a passion for community engagement, Queens University of Charlotte continues to inspire both athletes and scholars to reach their fullest potential. Its athletic division stands as a testament to what can be achieved when education and competition work hand in hand.